Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Crop Gene Editing

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation - University of Queensland
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position until 30 November 2029
• Full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $85,372 - $113,659 + 17% super (Academic Level A).
• Based at our St Lucia campus location 

Join the Better Sorghums project, part of the UQ-Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Sorghum Strategic Alliance. The project brings together UQ, the University of Sydney Poultry Research Foundation and commercial seed companies to advance sorghum research. In this research-focused role, you will use biotechnology and CRISPR gene editing to develop new grain hybrid sorghums with the potential to improve crop yield, protein content and protein digestibility. Working within a collaborative research team, you will build your emerging research profile while contributing to crop research for meaningful industry impact.

• →Research: Undertake laboratory, glasshouse and ultimately field experiments with Better Sorghum hybrids, produce quality research outputs, contribute to collaborative research and funding applications, and support the translation and commercialisation of research outcomes.
• →Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, as appropriate, and support the responsible and effective development of researchers.
• →Citizenship and Service: Contribute to internal service activities and build productive relationships with colleagues, plant breeders, commercial seed companies, research partners, government, professional bodies and other research end users.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.  

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in crop biotechnology, plant gene editing or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in plant gene editing, particularly in cereal crops.
• Evidence of quality research outputs, including publications in reputable refereed journals and presentations at conferences.
• Experience in developing and conducting phenotypic analysis of gene-edited cereal crops in glasshouse and field environments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and contribute to joint research projects and funding activities.
• Experience collaborating with plant breeders in public and/or private sector environments would be highly regarded.
• Capacity to contribute positively to academic citizenship, research supervision, industry engagement and collaborative team activities.

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Ian Godwin, i.godwin@uq.edu.au, or Dr Peter Crisp, p.crisp@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, professional registration (e.g. AHPRA), criminal history checks, mandatory immunisations, First Aid and/or CPR certification, and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Thursday 26 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-70232). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Friday 4 December 2026.